Forget the big coach tour where visitors are herded onto vehicles only to pass by virtual pictures outside the window, with some quick stops and a lecture or two along the way.

Another way to travel is on your own, which is not a bad idea at all. The gregarious and outgoing person can find interesting people everywhere. Stopping to visit with whoever crosses your path is a good thing too.

However, for a full, rich and memorable experience, please, come with us! Our tours are carefully organized so you will come home having seen the top sites AND having learned about, met and interacted with those who absolutely personify the culture. We encourage you to make friends with those who you share the adventure and with those you meet.

The reason we are able to do this is because we have the most knowledgeable, personable, and caring guide in all of Bulgaria. Don’t miss the opportunity to travel with Lyuba or one of her carefully trained team. Lyuba’s vast network of friends and associates allow you to connect with the people who are either unique or best examples of characteristics that make Bulgaria a rich, but mostly undiscovered treasure. The places we visit are not only the most famous, but also some of the most exquisite and little known places; I dare you to find them on your own. The explanations of what you see, hear, smell and taste will make these places come alive.

Lyuba knows the traditions, both cultural and historical. She will introduce you to the traditions, art, religion, music, dance, crafts, cuisine and more. Yes, we will stop to smell the roses, the lavender, and the pastries too. These tours are a feast for the senses and the soul.

Gwen Erwood

President, Travel Concepts International

Bulgaria is so interesting as it's not spoiled by tourists - real relations, wonderful small hotels, and most important - an incredible heritage, still authentic and not yet touched by human hands.

August 3 - 14, 2017 • 12 Days
based on double occupancy beginning
and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria (airfare additional)
Transfers from airport to hotel included

Dear World Traveler,

We invite you to a journey to the near past! This trip brings you to the atmosphere of the Communist Era. As witnesses of those times, we guarantee an authentic experience: as close as it was before. What was life like behind the Iron Curtain? How did it happen that the imagined “perfect” society looked like taken from Orwell's novel 1984? This is a rare chance to see people who lived during Communism, to have a chance to explore almost abandoned monuments and factories in decay. But at the same time to understand why many people still feel nostalgic. You should not expect luxury life on this journey, but we can promise you a great trip. This itinerary was lovingly researched and prepared by Lyuba Boyanin.

Lyuba Boyanin and Gwen Erwood

Gwen
President, Travel Concepts International

THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE

We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.

March 31 - April 15, 2018 • 16 Days
$4660 based on double occupancy beginning
and ending in Sofia, Bulgaria (airfare additional)
Transfers from airport to/from hotel included
Single Supplement $470

Dear World Travelers,
This is a unique sixteen day tour in the glorious springtime that you will not want to miss. Whether you have connections to Bulgaria or are a seasoned traveler looking for a one-of-a kind-trip to a relatively undiscovered part of the world, with a program highly spiced with warm cultural visits, please join our small group. We’ll arrive in Sofia for the colorful Palm Sunday Festival. As we pass through Kazanluk, best-known as the Valley of the Roses, you’ll learn about the ancient and mysterious Thracians. Visit small towns like Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna, Bozhentsi, which you may never have heard of, but thanks to our excellent guide and the activities planned for you, will stay in your memory forever.
Celebrate Midnight Mass amongst the glow of candles in Plovdiv, the city that will be the 2019 Cultural Capital of Europe. Easter lunch will be in a nearby village where you are welcomed as very special guests.
We spend much of the time in the South of Bulgaria in the enchanting Rhodope Mountains. The legends, music and traditions of the Rhodopes will come alive in our guide’s wonderful company. They will show us tucked-away monasteries, ancient sanctuaries and crafts centers you might never find on your own, and bring them alive with their vast knowledge and love of Balkan culture.
Private events include:

Visit with a woman who makes hand-made lace

Concert of Christian orthodox choir

Visit to a violin-maker’s atelier

Egg-dyeing workshop

Visit a lady who weaves carpets in Zheravna

Folklore performance in Kotel

Visit a Kazalbashi family

Bag piper performance in Zlatograd

Male choir folklore performance in Velingrad

This tour is made with great love and we believe that every day will be a feast for the spirit of the traveler of any age who likes and appreciates getting familiar with new cultures of the world. The pictures we have included in this brochure do not do the trip justice. Please read the itinerary carefully and then see for yourself!

Gwen Erwood

President, Travel Concepts International

Click for larger view

Discovery Highlights

Travel throughout Bulgaria with our excellent, knowledgeable guide

Enjoy Palm Sunday celebrations in Sofia, concerts in her square with public cultural events

See UNESCO’s Boyana Church with its 11th-14th century frescoes

Learn about the Thracians from their 5th-3rd century BC tombs

See the woodcarving workshops in a wood-carving museum in Tryavna

Have a photo op for the panorama views from Tsarevets overlooking Veliko Tarnovo

Delight in a private concert in Kotel

Attend the midnight Easter Mass and candle ritual at an Orthodox church in Plovdiv

Feel like a local as we sing and dance at our Easter lunch in the village of Oryahovitsa

Explore the archaeological site of Tatul - the ancient sanctuary of Orpheus

Visit with local Muslims - members of the Kazalbashi denomination of Islam

Travel through the scenic Rhodope Mountains via coach and narrow gauge train with stops at local villages throughout

Take the opportunity to experience the luxurious spa treatments in Velingrad

See the hidden gem of Balkan architecture from the 18th C. - Melnik

Marvel at the Rila Monastery - the most famous of all Bulgarian Christian Orthodox monuments